Northern Lights Health Foundation Hospital Bed Races. NHLF Web Image
FORT McMURRAY — Hospital beds will once again be rolling for a cause as the Northern Lights Health Foundation prepares for its ninth annual Hospital Bed Races.
The fundraising event returns this fall, bringing teams from across Wood Buffalo together for a combination of racing, costumes and friendly competition in support of local health care.
Teams consist of four people pushing a hospital bed carrying a 150-pound sandbag passenger along a 50-metre course. Teams compete in randomly drawn head-to-head heats, with each guaranteed at least two races before the fastest advance.
The winning team takes home the Golden Bedpan Trophy and bragging rights, but speed is only part of the competition.
Prizes are also awarded for team spirit, the top individual fundraiser and the top fundraising team. Participants are encouraged to raise at least $2,000 per team.
The Northern Lights Health Foundation says money raised through events and other initiatives helps fund medical equipment, programs and services locally.
Birch Mountain Enterprises LP returns as presenting sponsor for this year’s event.
“The Hospital Bed Races are more than a community tradition,” said Chris Wilson, CEO and managing partner of Birch Mountain Enterprises. “They are a meaningful way to support the Northern Lights Regional Hospital and the essential care it provides to families, workers and communities across Wood Buffalo.”
Teams can dress in themed costumes or corporate gear for the races, with the hospital beds and their sandbag “bedbugs” supplied by organizers.
The foundation bills the competition as a chance to “race for fun and raise for health,” bringing businesses, industry, sporting clubs and other community teams together in support of health care in Wood Buffalo.
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